Display positioning apparatus and method

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus for positioning an electronic display. The apparatus can be combined with an existing work surface to provide a multi-position workstation. In some cases the apparatus includes amounting portion configured to support an electronic display and a keyboard. The mounting portion may be movable with respect to the work surface between multiple positions, including for example, a sitting position and a standing position. Methods for positioning an electronic display and a keyboard are also included.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for positioning at least one electronic display and a keyboard relative to a work surface, the apparatus comprising:
 a base including a bottom surface for supporting the base upon the work surface; 
 a support column extending upward from the base; 
 a mounting portion movably coupled to the support column through an angled range of travel relative to the work surface; 
 a keyboard tray configured to support the keyboard, the keyboard tray configured to couple to the mounting portion and to simultaneously move with the at least one electronic display relative to the work surface; 
 a crossbar configured to couple to the mounting portion, the crossbar configured to support the at least one electronic display; and 
 at least one display mount configured to couple the at least one electronic display to the crossbar. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the crossbar includes:
 a stationary portion including a mounting region for mounting the crossbar to the mounting portion, the stationary portion configured to remain stationary with respect to the mounting portion; and 
 a movable portion pivotably coupled to an end of the stationary portion. 
 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the movable portion is pivotably coupled to an end of the stationary portion with a pin, and wherein the movable portion is configured to pivot at one end about an axis located at the pin. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the crossbar includes a mounting region for mounting the crossbar to the mounting portion, the mounting region positioned near the end of the stationary portion coupled to the movable portion. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the movable portion is shorter than the stationary portion. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the crossbar includes a mounting region for mounting the crossbar to the mounting portion, the mounting region positioned approximately at a center of a length of the crossbar. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a mouse tray coupled to the keyboard tray. 
 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a support surface configured to couple to the mouse tray and the keyboard tray. 
 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 an electronic device tray configured to couple to the crossbar and support an electronic device. 
 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an electronic device tray configured to couple to the crossbar and support an electronic device. 
 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a lift mechanism coupled to the support column and configured to bias the mounting portion in a raised position. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the lift mechanism comprises at least one of a gas spring and a constant force spring. 
     
     
       13. The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the lift mechanism comprises a balance mechanism. 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the balance mechanism comprises a cam. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a clamp for removably attaching the base about an edge of the work surface. 
 
     
     
       16. An apparatus for positioning at least two electronic display and a keyboard relative to a work surface, the apparatus comprising:
 a base including a bottom surface for supporting the base upon the work surface; 
 a support column extending upward from the base; 
 a mounting portion movably coupled to the support column through an angled range of travel relative to the work surface; 
 a keyboard tray configured to support the keyboard, the keyboard tray configured to couple to the mounting portion and to simultaneously move with the at least two electronic displays relative to the work surface; 
 a crossbar configured to couple to the mounting portion, the crossbar configured to support the at least one electronic display; the crossbar including: 
 a stationary portion including a mounting region for mounting the crossbar to the mounting portion, the stationary portion configured to remain stationary with respect to the mounting portion; and 
 a movable portion pivotably coupled to an end of the stationary portion; and 
 at least two display mounts configured to couple the at least two electronic displays to the crossbar. 
 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the movable portion is pivotably coupled to an end of the stationary portion with a pin, and wherein the movable portion is configured to pivot at one end about an axis located at the pin. 
     
     
       18. The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the lift mechanism comprises a balance mechanism. 
     
     
       19. The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the balance mechanism comprises a cam. 
     
     
       20. The apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a clamp for removably attaching the base about an edge of the work surface.